The Ballad of Sexual Dependency

• Authentic Visual Narrative: Features candid photographs that document the personal experiences of Goldin and her friends, reflecting the essence of New York's subcultures during a transformative period.
• Cultural and Historical Insight: Provides a poignant portrayal of the struggles for intimacy and understanding among individuals navigating love, identity, and addiction.
• Artistic Significance: Recognized as a groundbreaking work in contemporary photography, influencing generations of artists with its honest and unvarnished depiction of life.
• High-Quality Presentation: Published by Aperture, known for their commitment to excellence in art publications, ensuring superior printing and binding quality.
• Dimensions: Measuring approximately 10.25 x 9.4 x 0.75 inches, the book's design enhances the visual storytelling experience.

A Candid Chronicle of Love, Loss, and Identity

What truths emerge when an artist turns the lens inward, capturing the unfiltered essence of her world? In The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, Nan Goldin presents a compelling visual narrative that delves into the depths of human connection, desire, and the search for self. Through a series of intimate photographs taken between 1979 and 1986, Goldin documents the lives of her "tribe"—a close-knit group of friends and lovers inhabiting the vibrant yet tumultuous subcultures of New York City.

This 144-page hardcover, first published by Aperture in 1986, offers an unvarnished portrayal of moments that are both tender and tumultuous. Goldin's images capture the raw emotions of love, passion, and vulnerability, as well as the darker facets of addiction, conflict, and loss. Her candid approach provides a window into a world where the quest for intimacy is fraught with both beauty and peril.

Key Highlights:

• Intimate Portraits: Goldin's photographs serve as a visual diary, capturing spontaneous moments that reveal the complexities of her relationships and the broader human experience.
• Emotional Resonance: The collection delves into themes of love, identity, and mortality, offering a poignant exploration of the human condition.
• Cultural Documentation: Beyond personal narrative, the work serves as a historical record of a specific time and place, reflecting the social dynamics and subcultures of New York City in the early 1980s.

Measuring approximately 10.25 x 9.4 x 0.75 inches, the book's design complements its content, providing a tangible connection to the era it depicts. Published by Aperture, renowned for their high-quality art books, this volume ensures that Goldin's powerful imagery is presented with the care and fidelity it deserves.

The Ballad of Sexual Dependency stands as a testament to Nan Goldin's fearless exploration of life's most profound and challenging moments. For those interested in photography, art, or the intricacies of human relationships, this work offers an unflinching and evocative journey into the heart of existence.